Summer in the City is Back!
Popular festivals and events will return to downtown Dayton for the summer of 2016.
Summer in the City is Back!
Last year, downtown businesses, arts and cultural organizations, residential developers, and other community stakeholders helped the Downtown Dayton Partnership develop its new event strategy that focused on smaller, more frequent events to showcase downtown amenities and put the spotlight on businesses. Today, the DDP announces the next iteration of this new strategy for the 2016 season. Summer in the City kicks off in May and runs through September, highlighting community events and downtown amenities. The series also includes four signature events targeting specific aspects of downtown life.
"We had great attendance at our new events last year; the community embraced the new strategy," said DDP President Sandra Gudorf. "We followed up on feedback and our experience from last year's events, and we've made a few modifications to make this year even better!"
The DDP created an overarching brand to help residents, workers and visitors to downtown Dayton appreciate and take advantage of the wide range of activities taking place just about every day in downtown Dayton. Summer in the City will serve as a focal point for festivals, concerts, art galleries, sporting events, fitness programs, charity races, museum programs, dining specials, musical performances, and anything else that draws visitors to the center city.
Summer in the City 2016 Festival & Music Schedule
Summer in the City includes DDP and community partner programming, featuring:
- First Fridays: This monthly art hop builds on its growing popularity as a way to sample downtown businesses. First Fridays will remain part of downtown's featured activities.
- The Square Is Where: This free lunchtime entertainment takes place weekdays on Courthouse Square. From trivia to live music to giant outdoor games, it's a hot spot for lunch.
- Festivals: Downtown is home to many fantastic community festivals, including:
- Big Brews and Blues (May 21)
- Dayton Jazz Festival (June 12)
- Lights in Flight Fireworks Festival (July 03)
- Dayton Blues Festival (July 17)
- Dayton Celtic Festival (July 29-31)
- Hispanic Heritage Festival (Aug - TBD)
- Dayton Rock Festival (August 21)
- AleFest (Aug - TBA)
- Dayton Reggae Festival (September 04)
- Taste of Oregon District (Sept - TBD)
Summer in the City 2016 Signature Events
These programs highlight a specific aspect of downtown life unique to the city. These signature events are structured to maximize personal interaction and potential for businesses to get involved. Upcoming dates include:
- May 7, Downtown Housing Tour: This was one of the most popular events in 2015. The housing tour (the only Saturday date) invites prospective homeowners and real estate lovers to visit some of the hottest addresses in the city.
- June 3, Art in the City: This signature event celebrates downtown's rich visual arts community. This year will feature a juried show, executed by the Dayton Visual Arts Center, in which selected artists will be placed inside downtown businesses, and the public will be encouraged to visit all locations and vote on their favorite. June 3's kick-off event will showcase the myriad visual arts partners and arts venues through hands-on activities, demonstrations and other programming taking place throughout downtown.
- August 5, The Great Dayton Adventure Race: The downtown adventure night was a hit in 2015; participants again will be invited to explore downtown businesses and landmarks finding clues to win cash and raffle prizes. There will be a party on Courthouse Square, which will include the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Miami Valley's Over the Edge fundraiser plus many more interactive adventure activities.
- September 16, Performing Arts Street Party: The DDP is teaming up with the many Dayton performing arts organizations to throw an after-work street party! It's an exciting time to feature the start of a new season for many of the groups, plus celebrate the Victoria Theatre's 150th anniversary. The street party will feature plenty of music, theater, dance, and other performances that are part of what makes downtown attractive and vibrant.
